What worked for you?

[DisTeacher07]

Hi all! I know how wonderful you have all been doing with your weight losses and goals of getting healthy--Congratulations to all of you!! However, I must say that I'm awful jealous and needing your help.

I started a wish journal in October(ish) but didn't get far. I'm really at a point where I'm becoming unhealthy and depressed with my self image. What worked for you to get to the point that you're at?

I just graduated college in May, however I didn't get a teaching job straight out. I substitute five days a week (on a good week) and work an additional 15-20 hours a week at the library I worked at through high school and college. I also teach catechism for an hour on Sundays and have to plan for that throughout the week. Every night I'm out by ten, and I have to get up by 6, which would seem like enough sleep, but I'm constantly exhausted. When I have time to use the elliptical I purchased I'm too tired to do so. At school I feel like a soda or candybar are the only way to get through the day. Also, because I go straight from school to the library, and I don't have my own classroom to know if there is a refigerator or microwave (there are too many teachers in this district to even think about the faculty room's appliances), I often take a peanut butter sandwich for lunch and go down to the pizza place on the corner for dinner.

I need major help... any advice that you could offer would be wonderful! TIA

~Kris

 

[Raenstoirm]

PB sandwiches are great if you make sure to measure your ingredients and pick good healthy bread. Add fruit to it and you are pretty balanced. As for dinner, bring a salad with chicken or something that you do not need to microwave. Just make sure to put your food in an insulated bag and it will last the whole day cold. As for exercise, try walking the playground at recess and taking the stairs whenever you can. On days off, make sure to get a good workout in.

Your life seems to be very busy at the moment, so I would just make small steps and not beat yourself up about the big stuff.

 

[tntina]

I understand what you are going through. I joined Weight Watchers when I felt there was no hope for me. It has taken a year to lose 22lbs., but I feel so much better. I still have about 30lbs. to lose, but I feel like I have hope now. I have realized for me I have to make it a priority. We all are busy, but I would rather spend my time exercising than at the Dr. office. I was already showing up with pre-diabetes. The hardest part is getting started. When you start seeing results it will encourage you to keep on. I know it is hard to believe but exercise will give you more energy, once you get use to it. Hope this helps.

 

[Andrea_loves_Disney]

Hang in there!!!! You can do it!!! Don't be like me...I waited until I was 45 years old *yikes* to get my act together and take off the weight that has been dragging me down ever since I was in my 20s!!!! I joined WW almost a year ago and I have lost almost 50 lbs!!! All it took was determination, journaling everything bite that went into my mouth, and walking!!! I walk 3-4 times a week 3-4 miles each time and I really think that has been a big key to my success. And my walk time is my inner pep talk time...I really give myself a long positive rah-rah pep talk everytime I walk. Mini-goals are also something I have used...trying to lose 5 lbs before my next vacation, stuff like that. I do not think I could have done it without WW, however. The meetings made me so accountable, and it is great to know how many other people are in the same boat! Go for it!!! You can do it!!!

 

[schoen]

boy can i relate!

I have been looking for a permanent teaching job for three years! I know how hard it is on your mental health to be educated, and not working in your field (well, you are subbing, that is great. I needed to make more money, so I couldn't sub)

You need to start making small steps, and you need to prioritize. I tell everyone that exercise is my NUMBER ONE priority. It is hard to get going, because you ARE always tired. I promise though, once you start exercising you WILL have more energy.

Pick one weekday to start with, and both weekend days, and exercise on those days. Start with 20 minutes and work your way up.

With food, you could start slowly with changing you diet. get thin crust pizza twice a week, and work down from there. Is there a subway near you? Subway is a savior for me. I stopped eating at all other fast food places.

Take baby steps, and make your health your priority, and you will see success! Good luck and you CAN do this